5 Tips for Washing Hair in Hard Water (Follow Our Steps)
Hard water is a bane for all of us. It attacks showers, steam cleaners, irons, and even our hair.
Furthermore, hard water is relatively common in most parts of the world which means it’s unavoidable for many people. In cases like this, how are you supposed to wash your hair?
While you can use hard water to wash your hair, it can cause it to become weak and brittle over time as well as cause a build-up of minerals on your scalp - yuck.
That’s why we have these great tips for washing hair in hard water, helping you to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water can be caused by the climate you live in (especially dry climates) and the water system in your area.
Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium - these build-up on your scalp over time, making it hard to clean.
Many groundwater pipes run through limestone, which increases the chances of the water picking up these minerals.
It also leads to limescale - the demon that ruins our appliances. The good news is that hard water is not harmful to your health, just rough on your hair.
How Can You Protect Your Hair from Hard Water?
If you live in a hard water area, you will want to keep your hair protected. Here are some great tips that you should follow to keep your hair in the best possible condition.
#1 Clarifying Shampoo. This can be used once a week to break down the minerals on your scalp and make it easier to clean.
It helps to repair the hair and bring back its natural moisture. However, using it more than once a week can cause hair to become greasy.
#2 Acidic Rinse. Using vinegar or lemon/lime juice decreases the number of minerals on your scalp and helps to remove them, allowing your hair to be moisturised and start the repair process.
Dilute the acidic ingredient with some water, massage it into your hair and scalp, and then leave it for five minutes. Following this, rinse it out, and you are good to go.
#3 Leave-in Conditioner. It would be best if you used these once a week in your hair to repair the strands and remove the minerals from your scalp. It’s a nourishing treatment that works wonders as part of your weekly routine.
#4 Purified Water. Using purified water for the final rinse before you finish your shower is a great way to wash away minerals and leave your hair softer.
Some suggest bottled water but let’s not add to the plastic pollution crisis - use a home water filtration system instead.
#5 Shower Filter/Water Softener. Filters and softeners are the best choices as they keep the water soft and gentle on your hair in the long run.
Filters are the cheaper and easier to install, but they aren’t quite as effective as an actual softener.
While both are excellent choices, and a filter is better than nothing, it is worth saving up to get a water softener installed in your shower. It’s better for the longevity of the shower as well as the condition of your hair.
Read Here : Signs of Hard Water on Hair
FAQs
Why is hard water bad for hair?
Hard water causes minerals to build-up on the scalp and strips away moisture from the actual strands - causing them to become brittle and break easily.
It can also cause hair to have a flat appearance, thinning it.
How do you prevent hair loss from hard water?
To prevent hair loss from hard water, the best option is to get a water softener or filter for your shower.
Additionally, using the tips in this guide can be a huge help. We also have a detailed guide to hard water and hair loss to read for more detailed information.
Will boiling hard water make it soft?
Yes, if you boil hard water, it will become soft.
You can mix it in with regular hard water or use it as it is for your final rinse in the shower.
This will help your hair to retain its natural softness and moisture for a healthier feel and glow.
If you’re looking for how to soften water for washing hair, this is the best technique.
Final Thoughts
While hard water might be a bit of a pain, the good news is that there are ways to wash and maintain it to help it stay healthy and avoid brittleness.
While a water softener or filter is the best option, clarifying shampoos and acidic rinses have an incredible impact.
If you live in a hard water area, we’d love to hear how you got on with our hair washing methods. Have your tips for washing hair in hard water?
Please share them in the comments below so that we can try them out!
